Light the pilot by finding the control knob, setting it to "Pilot," holding the ignition button, and explore a flame to the pilot opening

Most wall heaters have a control knob on the front or side of the unit. Turn this knob to the position marked "Pilot" — you may need to push it in slightly as you turn. Once the knob is set to Pilot, press and hold the ignition button (usually a red or black button near the knob) while you hold a long lighter or lit match to the small opening where the pilot flame should appear. The pilot should light within a few seconds. Keep holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears, then release it slowly. If the flame stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal heating.

If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again. This allows any excess gas to clear from the chamber. Never use a regular match or short lighter — you risk burning your hand. A long-reach lighter or fireplace match works best. If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," open windows, and leave the space. Do not attempt to relight.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and press the ignition button while explore a flame to the pilot opening.
  • Hold the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights to keep the flame burning.
  • Use a long-reach lighter or fireplace match to avoid burning your hand.
  • Wait five minutes between attempts if the pilot does not light on the first try.
  • Stop and ventilate the space when ready if you smell gas during the process.

Locate the control knob and pilot opening

The control knob is usually mounted on the front lower panel of the wall heater or on the side near the burner. It is typically labeled with positions such as "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Next to or below the knob, you will find a small opening — this is where the pilot flame burns. Some heaters have a window or viewing port so you can see the pilot flame once it is lit. If your heater has a cover plate, you may need to remove it to access the knob and opening.

Before you begin, make sure the heater is turned off and has cooled for at least five minutes. Check that the area around the heater is clear of clutter, curtains, or anything flammable. Read the manufacturer's instructions if they are still attached to the unit or available online — different models may have slightly different procedures.

Set the knob to Pilot and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob slowly to the "Pilot" position. On some models, you may need to push the knob inward as you turn it — the instructions or the knob itself will indicate this. Once the knob is set to Pilot, you should hear a faint hissing sound, which means gas is flowing to the pilot chamber. This is normal and expected.

Gather your ignition tool before you proceed. A long-reach butane lighter (the kind used for grills or fireplaces) is the safest choice because it keeps your hand away from the flame. A long fireplace match also works well. Do not use a regular short match or a standard lighter — you will have to hold your hand too close to the flame and risk a burn.

Press the ignition button and explore flame

Locate the ignition button near the control knob. It is usually red or black and may be labeled "Ignite" or "Start." Press and hold this button firmly. At the same time, bring your lit lighter or match to the pilot opening. You should see a small flame appear within a few seconds. The pilot flame is typically blue and about the size of a pencil tip.

Continue holding the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device that detects the pilot flame) to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out. After 60 seconds, slowly release the button while watching the flame. If it stays lit, the pilot is working correctly.

Turn the knob to On and test the heater

Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you should feel warm air beginning to flow from the heater. If the burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try the pilot lighting process again.

Listen and feel for normal operation. The heater should run quietly without unusual sounds or smells. If you detect a gas odor, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and leave the space until the smell clears. Do not attempt to relight the heater if you smell gas — this may indicate a leak or malfunction that requires professional service.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the ignition button, the thermocouple may not be sensing the flame properly. First, try again: turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, and repeat the entire process. Sometimes the thermocouple needs a few attempts to heat up fully. Hold the ignition button for the full 60 seconds this time.

If the pilot still will not stay lit after two or three attempts, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty. You can try gently cleaning the pilot opening and the area around it with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust or debris. If cleaning does not help, or if you are uncomfortable doing this, the heater may need professional service. A technician can test the thermocouple and replace it if necessary.

Safety steps to follow every time

Never force the control knob or ignition button. If either one feels stuck or unusually stiff, stop and do not attempt to light the pilot. Forcing a stuck knob can damage the valve inside. Similarly, if you smell gas before you even begin, do not attempt to light the pilot. Open windows, leave the space, and contact a technician or your gas company.

Keep the area around the heater clear of flammable materials, including curtains, papers, and furniture. Wall heaters produce heat, and anything too close can catch fire. Never block the air intake or outlet of the heater. If the heater has a safety guard or cage, keep it in place. After the heater is running, check it every few minutes for the first 15 minutes to make sure it is operating normally and not producing unusual smells or sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not see a flame when I explore the lighter to the pilot opening?

The flame may be too small to see clearly, especially in bright light. Try again in a dimmer area or at dusk. If you still see nothing after three attempts, wait five minutes and try once more. If the pilot still will not light, the gas supply may be off, or the ignition system may be faulty. Check that the main gas valve to the heater is open, and consider calling a technician.

How long should I hold the ignition button?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too quickly, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — there is no harm in waiting a full minute.

Is it normal to smell gas when lighting the pilot?

A faint gas smell for a few seconds is normal as the gas flows to the pilot chamber. However, if the smell is strong or lingers after the pilot is lit, turn the knob to "Off," open windows, and leave the space. A persistent gas smell may indicate a leak or malfunction.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long fireplace match is safer than a short regular match. With a short match, your hand will be very close to the flame and the pilot opening, which increases the risk of a burn. A long-reach lighter is the best option because it keeps your hand farthest from the heat.

What should I do if the main burner does not light after I turn the knob to On?

Turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try lighting the pilot again. Sometimes the pilot needs a second attempt to burn hot enough to trigger the main burner. If the main burner still does not light after two attempts, the ignition system or gas valve may need service from a technician.